Vietnamese small businesses are confident of a positive 2024

Seventy-seven percent of local small business grew in 2023, well above the survey average of 60 percent, and outperforming all but two of the 11 markets included in the Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey.

Another factor that is contributing to the success of Vietnam’s small businesses is they have on average, the youngest business owners or CEOs, with 65 percent under 40 compared to the survey average of 43 percent. The data reveals that younger business owners or CEOs are more likely to be running businesses that are growing, investing in technology and innovating.

Vietnamese small businesses were the most likely to devote time and resources to ESG-related activities, including diversity and inclusion policies, staff health and safety policies, and community volunteering programs.

Vietnam’s small businesses are the second most likely to innovate this year, with 44 percent stating they will introduce a new product, process or service to the market or the world in 2024.

Vietnam’s small businesses lead the region in generating a quick return on their technology investment, with 76 percent saying their technology investment in 2023 improved their profitability, up significantly from 51 percent in 2022.

This is reflected in the strong returns from online sales with 77 percent of small businesses receiving more than 10 percent of their revenue from e-commerce in 2023, the highest on record for Vietnam. Social media usage has also seen a marked improvement with only six percent not using such platforms for business purposes, compared to 26 percent in 2022.

While most local small businesses reviewed their cybersecurity in the past six months, there is scope for an even greater focus on cybersecurity. Sixty-four percent of Vietnam’s small businesses lost time and/or money due to a cyber incident in 2023, and 70 percent anticipate further cyberattacks this year.

Chair of CPA Australia’s South Vietnam Advisory Committee, Nam Nguyen FCPA, said: “Small businesses must take proactive measures to safeguard against major damage from cyberthreats as it can seriously affect the bottom line, customer trust and staff morale.

“It’s positive the government has announced its national cybersecurity strategy. This strategy includes several major measures that are designed to keep Vietnam in the top 30 global cybersecurity rankings. For small businesses, they should focus on steps the government is taking to create a safe and trustworthy cyberspace and combatting cybercrime.”